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Topic Review (Newest First)

09-27-2011 10:57 PM

reillyjd

It is hard to overvalue a boat design which has an active list serve or user group, especially when looking at a project boat. You will come upon puzzles that you never could imagine, even if you are a MacArthur fellow. Fellow sailors/owners will come in handy.
Find a boat that makes you smile even before your restoration, sand you wiill be happy (and smiling) for years to come...

09-25-2011 08:49 PM

CalebD

I'd look at Tartans, Bristols, Cape Dorys and even Endeavor and Irwins in the size you are looking for.Tartan sailboats for sale by owner.
I happen to own a Tartan 27' so I am biased but there should be some available for pretty cheap and they are good sailors but usually need some TLC. I also like the T34C or any older Tartan like a T30.
Pearson also made very solid hulls for the most part so I'd include them too.
I've got nothing against Bentahuntalina's but there are so many of them around in good shape which will not be project boats.
Good luck in your search.

09-25-2011 07:05 PM

IronSpinnaker

I would choose a boat based on what is available near you. Forked River is a good suggestion, I was actually just there yesterday looking at boats, several boat yards in a small area and I saw lots of boats for sale.

09-25-2011 06:54 PM

lillia28

In the summer of 2009, a friend and I started looking for boats that were slightly bigger than our 22's. We ended up with "yard boats" which were pretty much project boats. He got a Catalina 30, I got a Mariner 28. There are a lot of boats to choose from, but look at a bunch before buying. At the level you are talking, a survey may cost more than you are paying for the boat. We got the boats in Forked River, Nj, just north of you. My boat was in fair condition, but the engine didn't run. The Catalina was overall in good shape, but needed sprucing up. Saw everything from decks so soft the hull was deformed by the shrouds, to also some pretty nice Tartans and Sabres. I'm not a broker or anything, just a guy who picked up a relatively inexpensive boat.
Drop me an email, if you would like to discuss.
lwi2858 at gmail.com
Lou
Fair Haven, NJ

09-23-2011 12:31 PM

dovetailnj

Perhaps here's the real question:
If you had your choice of any older boat to own or restore, what would it be?
Once again I'm looking for something bigger, mid 30's or larger.
I already own a 26' Hunter that's in the water and sailed often.
I'm thinking an offshore prize...

I'm aware of the pitfalls, and I already own a boat that sails.
I'm looking at this as a long term project, several years to be sure.
I own a well equipped woodshop and have a yard to store the project beside it.
I also have a significant network that includes a fiberglass professional, a former boatbuilder, a plumbing and electrical systems whiz, even a very good friend that sells marine supplies for one of the largest wholesalers on the east coast.
I know the project will cost me some $, but I'll be ok...

09-23-2011 11:26 AM

Ulladh

Maybe look for marina boat auctions.

Just got this one;

Boat Auction
28 September at 10 am
at the Marina!!
Everyone is invited.
Greetings on this fine Autumnal Equinox! We have exciting news:

Delaware City Marina will auction three used boats commencing at 10am on Wednesday, September 28th.

Bidders are required to register prior to the auction.

All boats are fiberglass. The sailboats include: a 27' Bristol and a 25' Columbia. The 32' power boat is in the style of a commercial crab or fishing boat. Pictures will be posted on our Facebook page. (This data is from the paperwork on file at the marina office, but the marina cannot confirm any of the data on the paperwork. Each prospective bidder must determine for themselves the age, make, size, and condition of the boats and not rely on paperwork or marina statements.)

More details are available at the Delaware City Marina Facebook page titled, "Delaware City Marina." Just click the "Like Us on Facebook" logo below.

Come join us for the auction next Wednesday morning at 10 am. See you there!

The auction will take place at the marina at 10 am sharp. The marina is located at 302 Canal Street in Delaware CIty, Delaware 19707. Further details are posted at our Facebook page which is linked at the "Like Us On Facebook" logo at the bottom of this email.

09-23-2011 11:08 AM

DRFerron

Bone Yard Boats

You might also try Boneyard Boats. Some free but all under $5000 if I remember correctly.

They list boats all over the country.

09-23-2011 10:58 AM

Tim R.

There are many folks who started out the way you are planning and have given up for various reasons; money, scale of project, life changes, etc.

Start at your local boatyards. They may have something where the owner is just looking to get out from under the boat yard payments.

Just be aware that even if you perform all the labor, you will ultimately spend much more than the boat will be worth. From an economics standpoint, it is best to buy a boat already done. Unless you simply love working on boats and do not care how much it costs.

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